After a career in graphic design and corporate marketing communications, I was “right-sized” and found myself looking for something different – and more creative – to do with myself. I dusted off my woodworking skills, invested in a few tools and started making home decor items, selling on Etsy and in local community and holiday markets.

That gave me the creative freedom I’d missed in the corporate world. But what really set me on fire is the mountain dulcimer! I stumbled upon this wonderful instrument in the summer of 2025, attracted to it initially because it was easier on my arthritic thumbs than gripping the neck of a guitar. I had never played any instrument before, though I tried guitar a few times over the years. I quickly became obsessed with all things dulcimer.

After seeing a few people play standing, I thought that would be fun and maybe I should make myself a stand. So four months, lots of engineering hurdles, many woodworking challenges, and several prototypes later, The Howdy Stand was born (and almost ready)!

When I read this to my lovely and supportive wife, she said “speaking of being born, The Howdy is like a dulcimer bassinet.” Indeed!

Why is it called The Howdy? Well, in my family, we have a saying that things can make you “stand up and say howdy.” What would make you say that? Spicy food, stubbing your toe, being surprised – just about anything. And there’s something about standing up and playing dulcimer that makes me want to “say howdy”, so…there you go.

And a special thanks to Sam Edelston (samthemusicman.com) for his helpful and generous feedback on all the prototypes.

Thanks for looking!
Cameron